In brief
In June, Leah Stewart was bitten by a shark while swimming at Coogee Beach in Sydney. She endured multiple injuries, was placed in an induced coma and has undergone several surgeries, including leg amputation. Despite painful recovery, she has made remarkable progress and plans to rebuild her independence. Stewart's post online thanked her supporters, who raised over AU$550,000 to aid her treatment, and she vows not to waste the second chance she has been given. The case reflects a broader trend of increased shark attacks across Australia this year.
Australian shark attack victim grateful for 'second chance at life'
Leah Stewart, 34, endured a severe shark bite during a morning swim at Coogee Beach in June. She suffered multiple bites to her arms and legs, was placed in an induced coma, and underwent several surgeries, including an amputation of one arm.
On Monday, she posted on social media thanking family, friends, and strangers for the overwhelming support. Fundraisers have raised more than AU$550,000 (US$394,000; £289,000), enabling her to recover at home and consider further medical treatment.
Stewart wrote: "After what has been an incredibly difficult few months, I'm so happy that I've progressed enough to build some independence, and I can finally see some light after all of this." She added, "I feel like I've been given a second chance at life, and I'm not going to waste it."
In a forthcoming interview with Nine Network’s 60 Minutes, she recounted seeing the shark’s face in the water: "I’ll never forget it – it was a monster. I thought about my daughter August, and I didn't want her to grow up without a mum. I had to fight, do everything I can to be here."
The incident is part of a growing number of shark attacks in Australia this year. In January alone, four attacks occurred over two days, including the fatal bite of a 12‑year‑old boy. In May, a man was killed by a shark while spearfishing in Queensland, and a father of two died after being attacked by a 4‑metre shark in Western Australia.
Stewart’s recovery is described by her as "remarkable" and largely attributed to the "army of love, support, prayers and encouragement" she received worldwide.
